Bits and Bobs

2012-03-11T05:47:00.000-07:00

A not-so-busy week of instagrams. It seems like I've done a lot more than this, but most of that was just mundance anyway so I have no photos!

This week has certainly gone really quick though, and in just five days time I will be back in Edinburgh..hopefully going to see the Royal Scotish Ballet, I am so excited, I've always wanted to go to a ballet. Has anyone ever been?

So..in summary. Many trips to our universitys 'coffee cart' for days where I just didn't have any motivation to sit and design anything. Making plans on my calendar, this month is really going to pick up soon, Easter plans too! I've not got a weekend free for around five weeks now. Picking up train tickets from the station, not being able to resist myself from doing some early packing. Buying the 'food essentials' to take with me..ehem, nutella. Clothes shopping with my mum yesterday, followed by a trip to the pub with some friends last night. And a major magazine catch up, and some sketches I'm working on for my olympic pictograms brief set last week.

Has anyone got plans for Easter coming up?

- Lou x

Birthday Buys

2012-03-10T09:03:00.001-08:00

Me and my mum went shopping for my birthday presents today as I said I just wanted some new clothes so she let me choose. I tried quite a few things on but unfortunately most of them were either too long, or too small. Story of a short girls life! I got quite a few lovely things so a big thanks to mama Brown, you can see them underneath todays outfit picture.

Today was in need of a comfy outfit, this blouse is one of my favourites, it's so light and floaty, not to mention a major bargain as I got it for a mere £3.50 reduced from £22 in the H&M sale last year. I love all it's little detailings. My jeans are also from H&M, and the belt and bag are from Primark. My necklace is from Matlan, I've been trying to find something to wear it with for ages, as it only seems to work well with long tops or plain dresses. Feeling a bit of a hippy vibe today I think. My mini brown wedges are from American Eagle.

These are the bits I got in town today for my birthday (coming up in 11 days!)

A new coat, I've been after a shorter and lighter coat for ages. I've gotten bored of my big long woolen coat, and being optimistic about some nice weather on the horizon... I decided to go for this. I was so pleased when I found it in the Primark sale for £8!

Finally some brown jeans that A. I like, and B. that fit me. Though I will need to take them up by about three inches... Yep, short girl problems strike again. These were from New Look.

The striped tee with the pink colour block is also from New Look, it's so comfortable and floaty to wear. It also looks really nice tucked into the shorts (also New Look).

The belt was my favourite part of the shorts, I thought the tiny little hearts as the belt holes were so sweet! Hoping these get a lot of use on my holidays this summer.

Has anyone else been on a bit of a buying spree recently? :)

- Lou x

Dark Paradise

2012-03-06T10:46:00.001-08:00

An outfit post for you today! Had some time before uni this morning so was able to snap a few pictures before heading out.

Had such a nice day, I love the effect that the sunshine and nice weather has on everyone, spent it sketching, laughing, and having a nice catch up about the weekends events. Also treated myself to the most divine hot chocolate with marshmallows and cream this morning too.. in fact, all four of us did. We are just too cool.

Today we got our final brief... for the year. Which is scary, because I knew the time seemed to be going fast for my first year at university, but I didn't realise just how fast. After this brief I'll have a week to do final touches and improvements, then it's off for marking and my first year is over.

Been making some plans recently, which is good, because I love having things to look forward to. Also applied for a job at my students union, which would be amazing to get because of the flexibility they provide students with. So I'm really hoping that I get somewhere with that, fingers crossed!

Cardigan - Primark // Top - H&M // Skirt - H&M //

Shoes - Hush Puppies // Dream-catcher Necklace H&M

Does anyone else feel like this year (academically) seems to be going really fast? Or just fast in general! I'm still shocked it's already March, and my birthday in just.. 15 days!

- Lou x

Instagrams

2012-03-04T01:54:00.002-08:00

A bit of a picture post to show what's been happening this week. Again, it's gone so quickly, it's been lovely having Luke home and seeing friends, but I'm sad they all have to go back to their uni's again today.

So my week involved.... catching up on magazines, eating copious amounts of chocolate, being a good university student and doing my work on my day off, writing an essay of a birthday card for one of my best friends who just turned 19, our pretty sunset, re-finding my glittery nail polish and getting quite carried away with it, graze snack-box, going to the station to surprise Luke, passing my driving test! balloons, flowers, and cake from my mum, a cute tea pot necklace as a gift from Luke, then last night at the pub having a catch up with some friends and pulling silly poses in the process, followed by baking some yummy cupcakes this morning for my family visiting this afternoon.

I hope everyone's had a good week :)

- Lou x

PASSED!

2012-03-03T09:15:00.000-08:00

I passed my driving test, third time lucky really was the charm. Though I had convinced myself that I had failed (after freaking out since I had to do two emergency stops), so was even more shocked when my examiner told me that I had passed. Needless to say I am really pleased and I'm sure my savings account is pleased too, as I can finally start to build it back up again! I'm starting to really like March already.

I came back home to find that my mum had bought me a pretty bunch of flowers, a congratulations balloon and card... along with a (rather quite divine..) white chocolate and strawberry cake mmm!

That's another achievement off my aspirations list!

- Lou x

Outfit

2012-03-02T07:38:00.000-08:00

Finally the weekend, today has been a really good day. Had our weekly crit, got some good feedback on my designs, early finish to enjoy the sunshine, and I got quite a few things done off the to-do list!

I'm also super excited for the weekend, as it'll be the first time Luke has been home all year, meeting up with friends on Saturday night, and having family round on Sunday to celebrate my grandma finally being well enough to come home, and for a nice old catch up. Needless to say, cupcakes are on the menu.

This is what I wore for uni today, my hair is growing so much! I hadn't noticed until today really as I pin it up most of the time, so despite it being all fluffy and flicky (I didn't have time to straighten it) you can see how far it's come from being a bob just a few months back.

The dress is from H&M // Primark belt & bag //

American Eagle mini-wedges // M&S leggings.

Have a good weekend everyone!

- Lou x

Graze Box

2012-03-01T05:11:00.000-08:00

Today my graze box arrived, it's so cute and little! It comes in lovely little packaging, using only recycled card, which then opens up to reveal the goodies inside.

I received a promotional offer in my email last week saying that I could receive one for free...which of course, I jumped at the chance to!

You get to pick what you'd like in your box, and what you wouldn't, then they package you up a selection of the goodies you'd "like to try" or "love". I'm really pleased with what I've been sent, they all look so good! Especially the 'bounty hunger' which is coconut, chocolate chips, and cherries. Yum.

My favourite thing of the packaging is definitely the cute little grass print on the bottom!

If anyone else would like to get their hands on a free graze box, enter this code: 62PD8B6 and enter it at their website here!

Has anyone else tried a graze box before, or something similar?

- Lou x

FEBUARY // mason jars

2012-02-28T10:06:00.000-08:00

Following on from my Pinterest post at the end of January with a selection of my favourite food pictures (mainly cakes!) this is my little set of inspiring images for February :)

I love mason jars, they're so dainty and pretty. I really want some to wrap in lace and turn into lanterns, or use as a flower vase. The top right image of the 'fairy jars' is really sweet too, and just done with glow in the dark paint! I think they'd look really lovely as garden lights or something.

What's inspired you this month?

- Lou x

70's vibe

2012-02-27T02:16:00.000-08:00

Whilst sorting some photos from my camera the other day, I came across these snaps from a family meal we had a few weeks back. Think I was having a bit of a retro day; I hadn't worn this pencil skirt in ages!

Necklace, Rings & Clutch Bag - Accessorise // Jumper - Primark

// Pencil Skirt - New Look // Heels - Matalan

However, today is going to be spent writing my essay for art history and doing various bits of other sketchbook work. I love having Mondays off (hello lie-ins!) but there's always so much work to do. Better get cracking with it!

Have a good day everyone :)

- Lou x

Birthday Wishes

2012-02-26T13:19:00.001-08:00

With my birthday coming up soon (24 days!) I thought I'd do a little browsing to see what takes my fancy as part of a birthday wish-list! The items below are all from the American Forever21, as I'm hoping to save up before my trip there this summer and go on a big splurge!

A few key pieces in my wardrobe that I need to update, and my favourites from the collage below are the dotted dress, the striped cropped shirt, and the cappuccino coloured pants. Though all together coming to a total of £324, I think I'm going to have to narrow it down quite a bit!

What's taken your fancy recently?

- Lou x

Goodie-bag

2012-02-26T04:40:00.000-08:00

My parents arrived home this morning after leaving at 11am yesterday morning. It's a long trip. But I'm glad they're back safe and sound. I was also beginning to go quite stir crazy in the house by myself! They brought me back some goodies! I agree that American 'candy' isn't as good as our British chocolates, however I've always loved the packaging and how 'different' they look and that's always interested me, so I'm chuffed to receive them! And some yummy cherry carmex lip-balm ♥ I can't see that lasting too long.

My dad also picked up some baking things for me over there which you can't get here, so needless to say... yes Betty Crocker, I am quite looking forward to baking the blueberry muffins. Yum.

- Lou x

Blue Skies

2012-02-25T03:32:00.000-08:00

Another outfit post today, although the blue skies aren't here again today, it isn't raining, so I thought that was a good enough reason to ditch the 'winter jeans' and get my shorts out! With tights though of course. Lets not get ahead of ourselves, it is only February... and England after all.

M&S cardigan // Primark bird print blouse // New Look high waisted shorts

// Hush Puppies red pumps // Primark bag

It's been a very productive Saturday so far, I got up at 8am and cleaned the entire house from tip to toe, and all the washing and ironing. All in time for my parents arriving home tomorrow morning from America; so hopefully that will be a nice surprise for them. And now I'm about to pop into town! Busy busy. I might even do my art history essay later, maybe. I think that's pushing it a bit too far. I'm thinking a girly film and ice cream instead? Plan.

Have a good weekend everyone!

- Lou x

Spotted

2012-02-24T08:09:00.000-08:00

I haven't done an outfit post in a while, so here we are! The weather has been so nice today, definitely a pleasant change from the cold and wet it has been recently. The light was really lovely when I took these photos after uni this morning, though you can see all the shadows from the lace curtain oops.

All my Spring Summer freckles are starting to make their appearance once again, they seem to fade quite a lot in winter. I used to really dislike them, but I'm coming round to liking them now. My grandma always told me that they were kisses from angels, which I always thought was really lovely.

The brown wedges are American Eagle // H&M jeans // Miss Selfridge bag

//Primark blouse and belt // New Look cardigan.

My parents fly home from America tomorrow and get back in England Sunday morning, so I'm going to spend some time getting the house nice and clean for them whilst finishing off some final designs for uni. If I have time tomorrow too, I think I'm going to pop into town to get something for one of my closest friends birthdays coming up next week :)

What are everyone's plans for the weekend?

- Lou x

Interiors

2012-02-22T11:42:00.000-08:00

Following my big sort out over the past month, I decided to change things around my room a bit. I have a pretty small bedroom so I couldn't do anything major, I just moved certain bits and bobs around, and even though it's nothing drastic.. my room looks so much brighter!

My heart shaped mirror from Laura Ashley, with quite a few of my necklaces hanging off it, it's so useful! It lets me quickly see what I have an make a swift decision for what piece of jewellery I'll wear for the day. My little make up mirror, which is the (very heavy!) silver dragonfly detailed one, is one of my favourite things in my room. It was a gift from my Auntie one birthday. Then I have various other Laura Ashley bits, I'm a bit of an obsessive, and of course, lots of photos. As you might have seen in one of my posts from January, my newest addition to my room - the hanging peg photo display from Paperchase.

Has anyone else done a room post? I'd love to take a nosy!

- Lou x

Nutella Cheesecake

2012-02-22T07:11:00.000-08:00

Okay so despite my previous post saying how I should probably stop eating so many desserts...ehem, today I made some mini nutella cheesecakes.

If you're an avid nutella lover like me, then you will love these. If you don't like nutella, then go away and hide because you're what's wrong with the world. You aren't really, I just think it's a little weird. And so.. what do you need to make these little pots of heaven I hear you ask?

Nutella Cheesecake Pots
Makes approx 4 pots

Base:
150g digestives (chocolate ones if you're feeling daring!)
50-60g butter, cubed

Cheesecake:
390g cream cheese, at room temperature
50g light brown sugar
90g Nutella
40g chocolate chips (optional)

However, as I've only made mine for two people, I just halved all the measurements.

- In a food processor mix the digestives and butter until crumbs are formed. Scoop spoonfuls into base of pots, press down lightly.

- Mix the cream cheese, sugar, chocolate chips, and nutella together and pour on top.

- Cry that you can't eat them for another six hours even though they only took you a whole five minutes to make.

.... six hours later, devour them whilst remembering just why you love nutella.

Enjoy!

- Lou x

2012-02-21T14:27:00.000-08:00

I should probably give up cake for lent, honestly.. I'm going to be about ten stone heavier by the end of the week! As my friend Evie is staying with me at the minute we've been doing a lot of baking and cooking...mainly baking.

Some carrot cake which got devoured within seconds of getting the icing on, followed by pancakes today of course. Got to love Shrove Tuesday. With nutella on... drool.

Is anyone giving up something for lent? I'm not sure, I often aim to give up something sweet, however my birthday falls in lent and I'd be miserable without some birthday cake! I'm thinking of taking something up instead, like a 40 day resolution? Not sure, I need some ideas!

- Lou x

Up in the clouds;

2012-02-20T03:29:00.001-08:00

After a very busy past week, and a weekend that seemed to just fly by, I'm finally starting to come down from the clouds and get some work done. I was so confused when I woke up (after another 11 hours sleep!!) I thought it was still Saturday, it's a good job I don't have university to attend on a Monday.

These are some sketches I've been working on this morning, doing some typography at the minute - our brief is to design a monogram with the initials of our name, so mine being L B.

I think I like the top left one best with the two letters merging with one another to make up my initials, so you see either the letter L or B depending on how you look at it.

Which do you think works best? I might try adding some colour to them I think.

- Lou x

Outfit;

2012-02-19T06:00:00.000-08:00

Not done an outfit post in a while, so this is a (rather quite rushed) one from Friday night which Luke quickly snapped for me before we headed out:

The other photos were either blurred or I was pulling a stupid face (being quite tipsy by this point). It was such a good night, none of us actually realised how drunk we were - which made it a whole lot funnier to find the horrendous photos the morning after.

I bought my blouse the other day from Primark, I loved the pretty butterfly print on it. My jeans are H&M, and my red pumps are Hush Puppies. With my trusty Primark bag, which honestly does just go with everything.

These are some of the less terribly-embarrassing photos from the night:

I love Edinburgh, it has been such a good week, felt like a super long weekend. I'm back in Preston now, had all my sad goodbyes yesterday, but as it was my friends birthday we went out last night then my two friends Evie and Niamh stayed over at mine last night so I wasn't alone, which was really lovely. Lots of work to catch up on now though!

I hope everyone had a good weekend :)

- Lou x

Candyboxx

2012-02-16T09:50:00.000-08:00

Met up with everyone to go out last night, was nice to get ready with the girls here then head off out just before midnight. It was absolutely freezing, I think I shivered the entire way there! We went to a club called Candyboxx, I wasn't really too sure what to make of it, I thought the layout of the club was quite bad as people were constantly having to push past you to get to the bar or outside, there was no 'mid-point' which got really annoying, but we still had fun regardless.

These are a few photos from the night, we were snapped by the club photographer there too but they haven't been posted online yet, if I don't look too horrendous I might post it here when they're up ha.

Time to get some work finished off, and have an early nights sleep I think. I'm so tired, I kept falling asleep all afternoon! Today really doesn't feel like a Thursday.

- Lou x

Night-time Snaps

2012-02-15T10:10:00.000-08:00

Yesterday we went to a place called Dynamic Earth, which was like a big interactive science..museum? I'm not sure, I can't really explain it, it's something you need to see for yourself. Not at all what I was expecting, they had made everything really fun, interesting, and interactive. As you walked around the different world parts and continents, the atmosphere changed.. from snowing in Greenland, to being boiling hot in the rain forest. That was all followed by an amazing show projected onto a dome you sat back and watched, making it feel like you were actually amongst the stars in space. I would highly reccomend it, it was so good. I don't have any photos from inside, I was too busy being amazed and moulding my handprint into an actual ice-berg!

On the bus coming back the sky was so pretty, I quickly snapped this out of the window just before the sun fully went down. I love skies like this, all the colours!

Later in the evening we went back into the city so I could take some night-time photographs. It was really hard to do without my tri-pod as the lighting was so minimal, but I think they worked out okay, if not a little grainy. I'll learn for next time eh. There was no way I could squeeze a tri-pod with my on the travels though, I brought so much stuff, I need one of those 'gorilla pods'.

My blog just seems to be a constant stream of photos at the minute sorry, I get a bit carried away! We're going out to another club tonight which should be good, student Wednesdays are the best. Hope you're all well :)

- Lou

Propaganda

2012-02-15T02:01:00.000-08:00

On Saturday night we went out to Propaganda at HMV Picturehouse; such a good night, some hillariously awful photos of it too. So tiered, still catching up on sleep! These are some of the photos from it, and I was actually on one of the club photos for once, considering everyone else always seems to be in them apart from me!

Has anyone else been to a HMV club near them?

- Lou x

Valentines

2012-02-15T01:08:00.000-08:00

This year for Valentines I'm quite happy, because I get to spend it here in Edinburgh with Luke :) instead of alone at home drowning my sorrows with chocolate whilst watching Homes Under the Hammer. Not that I'd do that... ehem.

Anyway, neither me or Luke are really ones to 'celebrate' valentines, as if you love someone you should show it every day of the year, not just because it's February 14th. However, I couldn't help myself in buying a card, as I know Luke hates them. So I always set out to buy him the most soppy ones with a giant teddy-bear on or something ridiculous. Though I was more subtle this year. Didn't stop me being mean to him in it though. He knows I love him really!

Today me and Luke celebrate our third Valentines together. I always knew he was a keeper when he bought me a huge box of Thorntons chocolates back when it was our first Valentines together in 2010. My dad thought so too as he happily 'helped' eat his way through the box. So there you go, you really can win a girls heart with chocolate. Well, this girl anyway.

- Lou x

Tourist Snaps

2012-02-13T20:28:00.000-08:00

Yesterday we met back up with the girls before they had to get their train back in the evening; had a nice little wander around the old parts of the city, visited Greyfriars Bobby, all the lovely old buildings, Edinburgh Castle, Hannah and the 'Tardis' ... followed by Nando's for tea yum.

We also went to go and watch 'Man On A Ledge' in the cinema last night, has anyone else seen it? I really enjoyed it actually! Though they really know how to rip you off with ticket prices, at £7.90 for a student ticket. Crazy.

Will no doubt have more photos to post during the week!

- Lou x

Trainspotting

2012-02-11T09:57:00.001-08:00

A few snaps I took whilst waiting on the freezing cold station for the train up today! I met such a lovely lady on the train, she was so sweet, and from Edinburgh herself - so was telling me about all the 'hidden gems' of the city, which I can't wait to go and explore.

Going to meet with some friends tonight and then head out into town I think! I'm so excited to get the weekend properly started.

What are everyone's plans for the weekend? :)

- Lou x

2012-02-11T09:57:00.000-08:00

Okay, so excusing the lack of make up and messy hair.. I'm off on my travels again!

Leaving for the train station in a minute, I should arrive in Edinburgh around half three this afternoon, which is so much nicer than when I usually arrive late in the evening because of uni.

This time I'm going for a week, until next Saturday, so I'll keep you posted throughout no doubt. And two of my closest friends Evie, and Hannah, already arrived there late last night, so I can tell this is going to be a good weekend!

It's freezing cold, and will be even colder in Scotland, so it's time to wrap up in my winter woolies. My new cardigan you might have seen in a post the other day, Primark boots (so warm), my H&M dress which also arrived during the week from ebay, with my trusty Marks & Spencer leggings, and Primark waist belt.

The dragonfly necklace I'm wearing was a handmade gift from my Auntie, it's so pretty and detailed, I don't know why I hardly ever wear it.

..So for now, goodbye! I'll post within a few days no doubt anyway. Have a good weekend lovelies :)

- Lou x

2012-02-10T05:36:00.000-08:00

Finished for the weekend! Been a pretty easy day, handed in my final web designs. Although I didn't like them, so will probably make some changes since they're worth 30% of my marks, unfortunately. My design tutors didn't give me any negative feedback on them though, so that's a good start!

It's not as freezing cold today, thankfully! Kicked off my big winter boots and got my flats out again. I quite like this outfit, it's so comfy. I got the dress two sizes too big so I could wear it baggy instead of tight.

The striped dress is from H&M, leggings are Marks & Spencer, Primark cardigan, Office black pumps, and my bag is from Miss Selfridge. And of course, my trusty Matalan anchor necklace.

..Edinburgh tomorrow! Needless to say, I am excited.

- Lou x

Paperchase lusts

2012-02-09T10:16:00.000-08:00

Paperchase have their new range of lovelyness out, yes, that's what I'm calling it. My fave is the Ava range with the sweet little bird print. I am honestly such a stationary whore.

I also really want a recipe book, I've been after one for ages. I have so many ideas in my head I just want to get down on paper! My pinterest food category is getting quite ridiculous. Needless to say, it's mainly full of yummy desserts...like this chocolate and raspberry tart:

.. oh my god.

ehem..anyway, Paperchase also do a really lovely range of photo-frames, the daisy one really caught my eye, they're such dainty and pretty flowers. I also love the black and white polkadot satchel... shame it's £97. Crazy.

Is anyone else a stationary obsessive like me?

- Lou x

Candy wishes

2012-02-09T05:53:00.000-08:00

My parents are in America this coming week for two weeks, both to celebrate their anniversary, and to surprise my family over there. Unfortunately with having university, I couldn't go with them. However, I will be going this summer in June-July I think!

So I was asked by my mum what I wanted her to bring back for me. Obviously, being such a bid kid at heart, I thought of all the American 'candies' I love. Some people hate them, especially if you're British and get to experience the love of Cadbury chocolate, real Cadbury, not the imitation stuff America sells. However, you can't beat all the crazily coloured and flavoured sweets they have there. Not to mention white cake (top right). My favourite American cake mixes, why no one sells white cake here in England I have no idea!

I'm also really jealous that they get so many different types of M&Ms. I adore M&Ms, and the coconut ones are to die for. Sorry if I'm making you really hungry right now. I also want some of the infamous American 'red party cups' as they are going to come in handy for a friends birthday present...very soon. Shhh.

So here's to further destroying my already rubbish teeth! Do I have any American readers to tell me of their favourite British 'candy' ?

- Lou x

Winter Winds

2012-02-08T05:42:00.000-08:00

Another busy week, it's been deadline after deadline..but we're almost there! Friday is my final one, and then we start more new projects. Busy busy. Went into uni this morning and did quite a bit of work, got lots printed, and bought some new art bits; I also bought this new cardigan. It is so comfy. I really liked the patterns on it, something to brighten up an outfit which otherwise could be quite 'plain'. And anyway, need I mention just how cold it's been?! I definitely needed a big chunky cardigan to wrap up in.

The cardigan was on sale, and though I swore I wasn't going to spend anything unless necessary until my bank balance becomes more..acceptable. It was down to £10 and I knew I'd wear it quite a lot, so I thought..hey why not. It's from a shop called Strawberry Moon, paired with my brown boots, and blue dress, both from Primark.The cardigan isn't that bright a red, it's more of a deep red or burgundy colour, it's just really bright where I took the photos!

Three days till I'm back in Edinburgh, I'm excited..but I just can't wait for all this work to be finished and out of the way first so I can properly relax.

- Lou x

Born To Die

2012-02-05T08:23:00.000-08:00

Hello lovelies :) another week has come to an end.. which makes it exactly six days until Edinburgh! It's come around so fast. I am definitely coping better with sticking to seeing Luke every two weeks instead of once or twice a month at the most. It might not be the best for my savings, but it certainly keeps me a happy bunny. My two close friends Evie and Hannah are also coming up, so I'm even more excited this time round.

Been messing about on Instagram. I've had it for quite a while but it's not often I use it. I've been trying to shape my eyebrows a bit more recently, and quite liked them today - so there you are, a vain photo of me, hello. My hair is growing too, hoorah!

I also won a sneeky little dress on ebay. I was so chuffed, it only cost me £1.24! It's a grey jumper-material dress from H&M, I've been after one for ages, and lost out on a similar one from Zara a while back, so this makes up for it. Hopefully it will arrive before Saturday then I can take it with me.

Lots of uni work to do tomorrow, deadline week has come around far too fast again. I can't believe I finish my first year in only three months.

I hope everyone is having a good weekend :) !

- Lou x

If money was no object;

2012-02-04T04:52:00.000-08:00

... I would definitely splurge at Miss Selfridge right now. Especially that wool coat with the fur gilet, that looks SO cosy.

I love that all the brighter spring colours are coming into stores now. A 'no budget' shopping spree is definitely something I want to be able to do at some point in my life. Maybe not when I'm such a broke student eh!

What have you all got on your lust lists at the minute?

- Lou x

Re-vamp

2012-02-03T11:23:00.000-08:00

Had a little bit of a change around on my blog. I think it looks a bit more 'brighter' like this, if that even makes sense. I prefer my background standing out less, and I've changed the text on my header and a few other bits. What do you all think?

I've been having a good old sort out and change around recently, I am definitely one of those 'Spring cleaning' people, even though it's only just February.

Not been the greatest day, and yet Fridays are usually the best. My digital design work has been stressing me out, everything kept going wrong, and when all I wanted to do when it got to 1pm was go home, finally get something to eat, and have a good old natter to Luke... the bus refused to let me on. I got there a second after it closed the doors, hadn't even moved. So I had to wait another hour for the next one. Thanks for that Stagecoach!

Anyway, one positive thing from my day today, I finished my print based designs for my magazine. It's about typographer and graphic designer Rudy Vanderlans. You may have seen a few previous posts with designs from it. All pieced together and bounded!

Here's to a relaxing, and stress free weekend..

- Lou x

Lunch Date

2012-02-02T09:42:00.000-08:00

Today I met with my friend Evie for a nice catch up at a little cafe by where I live. I got a mango smoothie and a lovely heart shaped lavender shortbread biscuit. So yummy.

This is what I wore today, the bird print top is new, I got it in Edinburgh this previous weekend from Primark. I'd been after one like this for so long, I love it! Only £6 too. Bargain. Paired with my H&M skirt, Primark chunky knit cardigan, red Hush Puppies, and my bag is also from Primark. In case you can't tell, I love Primark. No shame.

Friday tomorrow, this week has flown by. I'm still in shock that it's already February!

- Lou x

Pitch Perfect

2012-02-01T06:59:00.000-08:00

Coming to the end of my first major brief at uni, and the first of my online media; these screen shots below show my website design for a piano tuning company called 'Pitch Perfect'. The brief was to re-invent a current website/occupation and turn it into something more modern.

The idea is that you click on the circle logo on the pain page, to take you through to the main navigation menu, which are also four little piano keys. Then from there, the various pages, all linking with one another.

Although we've had three weeks to work on this already, I only just did this today. If you saw my previous post about it a few weeks back, you'll know that I was designing for a website for genealogy, however I decided to change it completely and start from scratch with a different occupation.

Today has been such a productive day, I'm pretty proud of myself! What do you all think? It's my crit session for it again tomorrow, so another week left on it until final hand in, not sure what changes to make to it yet though. Maybe the font?

- Lou x

JANUARY // food

2012-01-31T14:11:00.000-08:00

With my ever-growing Pinterest obsession, I've decided I'm going to start doing a new 'monthly feature'. At the end of each month I will post a set of inspiring images I've found in that time to share with you all.

For January, I have food. Well, cake to be precise. Let's be honest here, you're pretty weird if you don't like any form of cake, or cookie, or anything like that. Maybe I'm just a cake obsessive, who knows. But these all look pretty divine to me.

All of the images link back to my Pinterest, specifically my 'food' page you can find here. I warn you now, it will make you hungry! If you locate the images on there, most of them also link back to a recipe if you're feeling daring.

I think my favourites on this months inspiration set of images for food, include the sweet little pink frosted cake with the adorable little bunting over it, and the raspberry desserts in the maison jars. Serious obsession to things in jars at the minute, not really sure why.

Does anyone else have a Pinterest? Send me your links! I'd love a nosy.

- Lou x

Liebster and Versitile Blogger awards

2012-01-31T10:08:00.000-08:00

Coming back home and reading my new comments on blog posts, I realised I have been nominated for three blogger awards! You're all so lovely.

The first one was from the lovely Lauryn over at Bracelets & Bangles who awarded me the Liebster blog award. Translated, this means the 'beloved' or 'favourite' which I thought was really sweet. With the idea to help put bloggers with under 200 followers onto the map!

The next blogger award was a joint two from Lizzie at The Velvet Swing, and Martha at Colours and Curves. Two girls who blogs I love, as they speak their mind and aren't afraid to do so, and keep me smiling :)

I'm meant to give seven facts so here we go..

1. In case you haven't already gathered, I'm the biggest day dreamer ever

2. I'm currently at university studying Digital Graphics BA Hons

3. At the end of my time at university I am hoping to move to Edinburgh

4. I adore children and animals and can't wait to have my own crazy little home some day

5. I will actually instantly fall asleep if you stroke my hair (this has been proven!)

6. I remember all of my dreams and often write them down

7. I'm not ashamed to say it, however aside from my girls and Luke, our family dog Toby is one of my best friends and I tell him everything. Dogs are good listeners okay!

..isn't he a cutie?

So next up, I'm going to tag some of you lovelies! For the Liebster blog award..

1. A Day In My Wheels

- Chloe is such a lovely and inspiring girl, and takes gorgeous photos!

2. I Just Nod

- I love Ivonne's blog, she's from California (jealous!) and always posts really lust-worthy clothes

3.Deers and Antlers

- why Hannah doesn't have a zillion followers is beyond me, I love her blog! And she's very close to where I live too!

4. Faye's Fix

- I love Faye's style, and she's so good at nail art - I'm quite jealous!

5. RVP

- Rhiannon is from Essex and has such a lovely smile and fashion sense :)

Another five lovely bloggers I am awarding the Versatile Blogger Award to are..

1. Wild Flower

- Kaylee has such a pretty fashion sense and the loveliest smile!

2. The Magpie Girl

- Vicki has such a colourful and pretty sense of style, and the most gorgeous hair

3. Sitting Pretty

- Clare is such a lovely and down to earth girl, I love her inspiration posts too

4. Sailboat

- One of my favourite bloggers, Jennie never fails to make you smile and always has the nicest outfits!

5. A Little Bird Told Me

- I admire Jen for putting herself out there and going freelance, and love to follow her adventures! She's an amazing thrift finder too.

So there you have it. Who are your favourite bloggers?

- Lou x

Weekend in Edinburgh

2012-01-30T01:52:00.000-08:00

Monday morning, Luke is in lectures so I'm left here..in my pj's, blogging. Not too bad eh? These are some photos from over the weekend, I didn't really take too many, but I'm hoping to bring my SLR camera when it gets more towards spring and summer, so I can take some proper photographs of the city.

This set of photos below is a few of us at the union on Saturday night, in which I'm wearing the lace dress from my previous blog post:

Yesterday me and Luke went into the city to do some more shopping and visited the national musum of Scotland. Which is amazing, I'd really suggest going, and it's free! We only got round a tiny part of it, so hopefully next time I'm up here we can do the rest. They had such a vast array of exhibitions, we looked around the world cultures, wild animals, and the solar exhibition. Then after that Luke treated me to dinner out for some rather delicious pizza!

I love all the little vintage stores here, we don't really have anything like that where I live in Preston. I just wanted to buy everything in there! Most of them are on Victoria street with all the pretty brightly painted buildings.

This is the inside of the museum, it's recently moved location to here as it's so much bigger, and amazing! You really don't expect it to be so wide and open on the inside. Could definitely spend a whole day there.

I return again in only 11 days, so I'm pretty glad about that. Two of my close friends are coming up too, which will be lovely to be able to explore Edinburgh with them! So until then..

- Lou x

2012-01-29T13:30:00.000-08:00

Quick post, this was my outfit from last night. We went to the universities union and the club there, a really funny night, I certainly reaped the effects of the whiskey hangover today though!

PS. please excuse the stupid faces and the fact that I can't stop laughing on these. Luke took them when I was rather quite..drunk.

The dress I got whilst out shopping yesterday in Dorothy Perkins. I think it's meant to be a top, as it was in sale from the 'tall' range. So..a dress on me then! My black bow suede pumps from Office, and my belt and bag are from Primark.

More photos to come no doubt! I hope everyone is having a great weekend

- Lou x

I am the master of my fate, the captain of my soul.

2012-01-27T07:16:00.000-08:00

Hello lovelies, I hope you've all had a wonderful Friday! Friday is by far my favourite day of the week, the atmosphere in class has a certain happiness to it, with everyone glad for it to be the weekend. The studio is always quite relaxing and enjoyable too, as we often have the radio on in the studio or have a film running in the background whilst we design. Then we all go out for lunch together at one of the pubs closest to our uni, followed by a cheeky game of darts when we get back. Yes, we have a dart board in our studio, and also a basketball net. It's not your conventional 'classroom'. I love it. Though, note - I am beyond shocking at darts, most of the time I just hit the wall instead.

So this is a quick post before I leave for the train station in half an hour or so; this is what I wore today. The blouse is new, I bought it a few days ago in Primark. I adore it, it's my favourite item of clothing at the minute, and only cost me £8! I just thought the trim and lace detailing on it was so pretty. I was going to buy it in black at first, but decided that I don't have enough 'bright white' items, and so I'm really pleased I changed my mind and went for this colour instead. The skirt is from H&M, and my trusty cameo necklace is from Miss Selfridge, which I swear just goes with EVERYTHING. And also my black suede wedges as I mentioned in my previous post, from my nan :)

I also received two things in the post for me today. One was a letter back from Dorothy Perkins which I sent off a few weeks ago to complain about their shocking customer service, who refused to accept a return from me, despite it being well within my rights to return it. Anyway, a positive result, this just shows that writing to complain does get you somewhere! They said in the letter that the staff would under go a re-training program, and I was given a £15 gift card for compensation, which yes - I gladly accept your apology Dorothy Perkins, and look forward to buying myself a new nice item of clothing..or possibly a bag!

The other thing I received was a lovely card from Luke's grandma, which I thought was really sweet for her to think of me and send one! It has such a pretty painting on the front of it, I love the simplistic Art-Deco style.

So as for now, goodbye! I will most likely blog again on Monday when Luke is back in lectures, whilst I remain being lazy and all cosy in bed. Hopefully I should have some photos for you from my weekend!

I also noticed my followers going up in numbers recently, thank you! You're all lovely. I'm only two off 160 too, I know that might not be many in comparison to some bloggers who have thousands, but I really do appreciate you all ♥

Have a lovely weekend everyone!

- Lou x

Shirt & Stripes

2012-01-26T08:58:00.000-08:00

My new shirt arrived today, I won it on Ebay for £2.50! So pleased with it. It's a SoulCal one and so comfy. I used to have one like this from H&M that I loved, but eventually it became too small for me. This shirt is more of a shirt dress, which I quite like because I can just wear it with tights. It's also slightly gathered into a puff-ball type of skirt at the bottom which is handy so it doesn't fly up! Just paired it with my little brown waist belt, and I'm wearing my new black pumps my nan bought me as a surprise gift when visiting over the weekend; they're so sweet, they have a bow on the front of them, with a tiny wedge in suede. Perfect for me being so little to add that bit of height yet still retain comfort!

Tomorrow night after uni I'm off to Edinburgh, finally! The time always seems to have flown by when I look back on it, but at the time it really seems to drag. However, next time (in 15 days!) I'm going for a week, and two of the girls Evie and Hannah are coming too, so needless to say I'm really looking forward to that.

What are everyone's plans for the weekend?

- Lou x

Design & Craft Inspiration

2012-01-25T10:14:00.000-08:00

Although it's only Wednesday, this week has absolutely flown by. Though I'm kind of glad, I just hope it slows down for the weekend! I've had lots of work to do, I'm glad uni seems to have given us so much more work recently, though sometimes if I'm tired I've found that I've been combining projects and confusing them all entirely oops. These are some images I found whilst browsing for some design inspiration, I'm such a sucker for the vintage style ones. If I had my own way I'd just design everything like this!

I love all the framed typography best, I can't wait to have my own home to do something like that in! Which image inspires you the most?

Tomorrow my friend Evie is coming round for a movie day, which shall be nice. I also booked my next driving test eep, fingers crossed for third time lucky?! Then I'm in Edinburgh for a long weekend, going Friday - Monday. Cannot wait. Though I'm sure if you've been reading my blog you'll be well aware of that. Hopefully I'll have a good weekend, I'm sure I will, however my grandma is really ill at the moment and this is her second time in hospital this week, so needless to say we're all a little worried for her. With any luck she will be back to her normal cheery-self by next week, I really hope so anyway. Though I was cheered up by finding a little note from Luke he had hidden before he left to go back to uni after Christmas, which was really quite sweet.

- Lou x

Plain Jane

2012-01-23T02:41:00.000-08:00

I'm aware I've managed to chop the top of my head and feet off, I didn't realise my camera was slightly zoomed in urgh. Couldn't be bothered re-taking them, sorry.

Anyway, quite a plain outfit today, but it's really quite comfy.

Denim Jacket - Mums

Grey Jumper - Primark

Black Trousers - H&M

Red Pumps - Hush Puppies

Cameo Necklace - Miss Selfridge

White Stone Necklace - Matalan

Need to do quite a bit of design work today for uni, and hopefully start to decide what I'm taking to Edinburgh on Friday then I can get that sorted and out of the way, as I can tell it's going to be a busy week!

So far on the design front I've finished my magazine layouts hoorah! Which I'm really pleased about as they just didn't seem to be going anywhere. However I've still got sketchbook work and web design left to do. These are my first magazine layouts ready for our group crit session tomorrow:

There's two pages to one set..if that makes sense! It's about typographer and designer Rudy Vanderlans. What do you think about them?

I hope Monday is treating you all well :)

- Lou x

Primark Spring/Summer

2012-01-22T04:31:00.000-08:00

I've heard a lot of people talking about the new Primark Spring Summer collection, but never actually had the chance to look at it myself yet. I must say, I am a big fan of Primark, always have been. I think as time has gone on, as a store it's stepped up it's game and more often than not..I'll find things in there very similar to what you might find in stores like Topshop, yet at a fraction of the price. And on my student budget, that's a great thing. Although some of it isn't the 'best quality' what do you expect from paying so little for them, I feel that with most things I've ever bought from there, they've lasted for how long I'd expect them to for the price, and some have even out lasted some of my better quality clothes from i.e. Zara and Marks and Spencer.

These are some of the picks out of the new collection that I found and really like. So much so I have the same dress twice but in different colours (numbers 7 & 4), at at only £10 I think that's quite affordable. My favourites are the dotty dress (1), the pink and blue blouse (3), and the weekend bag (6).

1. Spotted dress - £13, in store now

2. Dalmatian print top - £8, in store now

3. Contrast neck-tie blouse - £8, in store now

4. Blue shirt dress - £10, in store end of January

5. Tie-waist trouser - £12, in store February

6. Weekend bag - £10, in store end of February

7. White shirt dress - £10, in store end of January

Which are your favourites?

- Lou x

Floral's & Stripes

2012-01-21T11:26:00.000-08:00

I know generally you're not meant to "combine" stripes with well..most other patterns, but oh well, I haven't worn this scarf in ages and my outfit needed a bit more colour in! I'm going out to our local pub tonight to meet a few friends for a nice catch up :)

I love this little owl broach, my mum got it me as part of my Christmas presents, it's so sweet - I hadn't quite found the right thing to wear it with, but I quite like how it looks on my black blazer (also a new edition!) A bargain too, it had a £60 price tag, but I pointed out that there was only one left as it was with the sale items, despite not having a sale price tag on it, and that there were some slight marks on.. and got it reduced to £35, so pleased! The marks came off straight away too, I think they were probably just dust from storage. Good old John Lewis.

Blazer - Warehouse

Scarf - Miss Selfridge

Striped tee - Primark

Jeans - H&M

Boots - gifted from Luke ♥

Owl broach - Debenhams

My hair is really annoying me at the minute. I've no idea what I want to do with it exactly; all my layers have pretty much grown out since I grew it out from being a bob last year, and I also grew my fringe out. Which is an achievement for me, as more often than not I get bored and just cut a full fringe in. However, I can't stand having hair on my face, it really bugs me and makes me loose concentration, and not to mention whips me in the face whenever it's windy! I want a way to add volume to it without having to get lots of layers or a fringe, moose doesn't really seem to work for me either, and if anything - when I do have layers, it just messes my hair up and it flicks out all over the place! Any ideas?

I hope everyone is having a lovely weekend, my grandparents are coming round tomorrow and my nan informs me she's bought me some cute little suede shoes in the Next sale..so hopefully I'll have them to show you all sometime soon! Also going to be getting my little case down to pack next week for Edinburgh, in six days!

- Lou x

TGIF

2012-01-20T07:47:00.000-08:00

Had a really good day today at uni, probably because we didn't really do a lot oops. The studio is starting feel like more of our own now, and don't be fooled into thinking we don't do much work - because we have to do an insane amount of work; however, on days like this where we're bored and it's Friday.. we turn to messing about in the studio. This is basically a summary of my day in (very crappy quality) photos:

Me, Maria, and Emma playing darts (very badly, note Emma and Maria laughing their heads off at how bad I am at it) - followed by a trip to the student shop, being amazed by all the different Chinese and Japanese foods. See the Chinese Oreos!? I really wanted some of those mini chocolate panda biscuits!

It's also one week today till I'm back in Edinburgh, super excited, going to get my mini case down this weekend. I am so sad, oh well.

What's everyone else's plans for the weekend? I now have an evening of web design to look forward to, yay.

- Lou x

Outfit

2012-01-17T08:38:00.000-08:00

I was in the mood for a shirt today, this is actually quite a long one, but I decided to tuck it into my jeans instead. My new shoes also arrived yesterday, as you might notice - they're very similar to my last red ones (which were falling to pieces!) but these ones are proper leather Hush Puppies, soo comfy.

Shirt - H&M

Necklace - Accessorize

Jeans - H&M

Shoes - Hush Puppies

Bag - TOTE

Had quite a nice day, it's always nice on a Tuesday to catch up with everyone about the weekend as we have Mondays off. Then a group of us went out for a pub lunch again, and had a pretty good laugh which always helps to boost my mood! Also finished my magazine layouts today for my print project, going to be making those up on the Mac tomorrow hopefully.

Got a nice two weeks coming up, brunch with Evie this Thursday in town before afternoon lectures, out this Friday for a catch up at the pub with some friends, then next week if the weather stays nice, a few of us from class are going to go on a drive to Formby beach, which is quite nice to sit and relax on (even if we do need to get wrapped up!) and they also have a pretty nature reserve you can walk around there too. Should be good! Then the day after that (next Friday) I'm back off up to Edinburgh, cannot wait.

- Lou x

Back to your roots

2012-01-16T08:35:00.000-08:00

I don't care how lame it makes me, but I got rather quite excited about our second brief for the week. It's my first digital brief, so I'm now doing two at once.. print graphics, and digital. As my degree I'm working on is the digital aspect, I was really pleased to be able to get going with it.

We were set the brief of designing a website for an occupation. I chose to do genealogy as I'm quite into the idea of discovering your past, and am a very family orientated person, so decided almost immediately that this was the career I would set out to design for.

These are only my first draft ideas, but I'm quite pleased with it already! We need to design four pages: home, about, services, and contact. This is what I've come up with so far:

I included some old family photographs of mine that I scanned in and incorporated as part of the whole 'researching history' aspect.

What do you all think?

- Lou x

2012-01-15T10:49:00.000-08:00

I'm a lot happier today, I got a good few things off my chest, did an insane amount of uni work, completely cleared my room out of rubbish and things I either didn't need, or want any more. And everything just feels so much better and organised. And I even have some cheesecake with me as I type this, life is good.

I haven't done a little wish list in a while, as because I've been so broke, I didn't really want to taunt myself with it! However, I've done really well with savings and although I can't really afford much.. these are a few things that have caught my eye recently.

What's been on your wishlist? :)

All items are from either H&M // Miss Selfridge // New Look - I can't wait for Spring to arrive now, all those pretty pastel colours!

- Lou x

Can't do it alone;

2012-01-14T14:25:00.000-08:00

Had a bit of an up and down day today. Most of it was good though, so that's always nice. I met with my friend Evie in town this morning for a catch up and a bit of a shop. Though we're both broke, so I don't exactly have much to show for it ha. Just a trip to the post office to send more ebay parcels off, and I bought some birthday cards. Leading a hardcore life, obviously.

Tomorrow I really want to get things sorted. My room is a tip, I have so much work to do, and I've just been avoiding it all. Normally I can't even sleep at night if I know my room is a mess, so that's saying something.

On the downside I am really really missing Luke. It's rubbish, and it's really having it's effects on me, which is never a great thing. I just really hope these next thirteen days come around quickly. sigh.

However, I have fallen in love with this sweet little song which is helping to lift my mood:

It's called 'The Show' by Lenka, I hope you like it :)

- Lou x

Ahoy,

2012-01-13T06:46:00.000-08:00

Feeling a bit of a sailor style going on at the minute, I think it's because of my anchor necklace, too much love. I know it's not even half way through January yet, but I think it's my bargain of the year at only 50p!

I also had my first ever go at nail art, as my mum bought me a little professional kit for Christmas. I wasn't sure what to do, so I've just got..yep, more stripes, for the minute.

The top is from Primark // H&M tube skirt // Matalan necklace // shoes are New Look // rings were gifts from my parents and Luke :)

I'm so pleased it's Friday, this week has gone really quick. Hopefully that will be an indication that these next two weeks will go just as quick.. Edinburgh on the 27th!

What are everybodys plans for the weekend?

- Lou x

Lazy Wednesdays

2012-01-11T06:58:00.000-08:00

Ignoring the fact that my hair looks like a birds nest.. today I had a half day, which I'm always glad about. However despite this, it still feels like the longest day in history most of the time. My computer design tutor just babbles on about when he was "in the industry" instead of actually teaching us things, or letting us get on with whatever we're meant to. Anyway.

My alarm failed to go off this morning.. both of them. Yep, I have a back-up, as most of the time I end up turning the first one off and falling back to sleep oops. So needless to say, it was quite a rush to get to uni on time!

The light was so pretty when I took these, I love that our house gets so much sun coming through the windows.

This jumper is quite honestly the comfiest thing ever. And it only cost me £5 from Primark, I love it, I'd been after a simple grey one for ages. My jeans are H&M, the shoes are from Matalan, and so is the anchor necklace. Another one of my favourites at the minute.

I hope everyone else has had a good day!

- Lou x

First day back;

2012-01-10T08:32:00.000-08:00

Being back in uni today was strange, it seems like it's been ages since I was last there due to the Christmas holidays and all the things that have happened in that time; but then as soon as everyone was sat down in class, it was like we had just returned from our weekend break. I'm not sure if that's a good thing or not really, though I am a creature of habit and routine, so I guess it works for me.

Things have already started to pick up the pace, I haven't been in the studio for such a long amount of time in ages! I was quite surprised by the amount of people who actually turned up today even, as normally most don't even bother to come in.

It was nice to see everyone and have a good old catch up about Christmas and New Years, but also just to get back to it. We've started our longer project work and so today was quite busy, as we've been starting on our grid layouts and magazine presentation, sounds dull - but I actually really quite enjoyed it.

Excuse the rubbish phone quality!

We also got our first set of grades back today too. As my course is 100% coursework and no exams, we have to do lots and lots of it then hand it in finalised at the end of each semester. And so the 'deadline week' at the end of each semester is kind of like our exams, as we get the same sort of grading for it too. I received my first semester grade back with 67%, so that's only 3% off a first which I was really pleased with! Hoping to improve it to the 70% that I need for a first.

This post has been a bit of a babble sorry. And I don't have an outfit post for you all either, as I was too lazy to get out of bed on time this morning..and so had to rush out of my house with just jeans and a random jumper on. Great.

Has anyone else started back at uni yet?

- Lou x

Pintrest

2012-01-09T10:40:00.000-08:00

I recently became a member of Pintrest, and it is so addictive. I think I prefer it to Tumblr, I slowly feel like I'm growing old for it anyway; most of the time it's just people whining about what someone put in their ask box..after asking them to put something there.

Anyway, does anyone else have a pintrest account? You can find mine here. I don't have much to show on it yet, but I love the fact that I can have various boards to keep all my different bits and bobs separate from other themes. I've totally not already designed my future house on it..swear. ehem.

- Lou x

Update

2012-01-09T06:22:00.000-08:00

I haven't posted in a few days, I've either been quite busy, or just un-inspired to do so.

On Thursday night I met up with a few friends from college to see how they were getting on, at my friend Joe's flat at uni, who obviously..also went to college with us. It was nice to see people again, it's weird that we're all in different places now.

This is what I decided to wear:

I don't have a proper outfit post because I didn't have time, and well..forgot. It's quite a comfy outfit though, I definitely prefer wedges to normal heels, they're just so much more bearable for long periods of time.

The black trousers are my favourite pair, it's not often I find some that flatter my shape, but they fit really well. Exactly why I love H&M. My blouse is from Primark, it's such a pretty feminine colour, and so easy to wear, also really comfortable. And the suede wedges are from New Look.

Me and Luke managed to miss the last bus home oops, but it was a nice (yet long!) walk back, so glad I threw some flats into my bag before-hand.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Yesterday Luke left to go back to Edinburgh, I was so sad. You'd think with time that things would get easier, when really I find that they're actually getting worse. I was doing so well too, trying to be all positive knowing that I'll see him again in three weeks, but then as he walked me home and said goodbye I burst into tears like a baby. No shame. I miss him too much.

Yet tomorrow I start at university again for my second semester, so hopefully I'll have lots to do and that will pass some time. It always seems like forever away till my next visit to Edinburgh, or Luke coming back here to Preston (not as glamorous blatantly) but then I look back and it always seems to fly by, so I'm hoping to keep my head up about it. I know my second semester of uni is really going to pick up, as I've already been given a preview of what lies ahead (hello 3000 word essay and x3 A1 mood boards for some "light Christmas work" really?) but I enjoy a challenge.

As for being forever broke as it would seem, I'm doing well with my savings, actually quite proud of myself! I can now afford to re-take my driving test, and I've paid back all money to the 'bank of mum' so fingers crossed..third time's the charm right? Got to love ebay, just sent some parcels off today of stuff, a nice £50 made in a weekend, definitely a big help.
What has everyone else been up to recently?

- Lou

Outfit and Nostalgia

2012-01-05T08:50:00.000-08:00

Had quite a busy day today, sorting out various housework this morning, then into town this afternoon to sort a few bits. I got my train tickets collected for Edinburgh for Jan/Feb/March, and also some envelopes for sending Ebay things off in (how exciting). We did however go back to our old college, as we needed to pick up some certificates for our qualifications. It was so weird to be back there, it felt like nothing had changed, even though the people there were different, and some of the buildings had been modified, it still felt like the same place that was always so dear to me. I absolutely loved college, they were the best two years of my life so far. It was so nostalgic to be back, we couldn't help but take a wander around and go back to the place we sat for lunch every single day, and reminiscing over all the things that happened there. It left me in a really happy mood afterwards! And tonight I am out for a party, strangely enough, where all old college friends will be meeting up.

This is what I wore today; quite a comfy outfit, this top is one of the ones I got for Christmas, it is such nice fabric to wear, I love the dainty bird print too.

The blouse is Dorothy Perkins // Jeans are H&M // and the shoes are New Look

Has anyone else been back to visit their old school or college since leaving?

- Lou x

2012-01-04T14:01:00.000-08:00

I finally found some motivation to get started on my uni work. I need to produce three A2 mood boards on a given designer - mine was typography artist Rudy Vanderlans; and also a 3000 word essay on said designer. Needless to say, I didn't quite happen to find the motivation for the essay..but I'm pretty happy I did get these three out of the way.

This week is going too fast, I don't like it. Luke leaves on Sunday for Edinburgh again and I absolutely hate goodbyes, they are my ultimate downfall. So I'm really not looking forward to that. I am however looking forward to my monthly countdown of when I get to go back up to Edinburgh to visit, which will be on January 27th. We've made a promise to see one another every two weeks, despite being incredibly broke, it's something far too important to me not to.

Last night I met with the girls and we had a nice girly night.. I say girly-night but I'm not sure you can call it that considering we watched Trainspotting as our movie for the evening, as opposed to a girly film like..Love Actually. Anyway, I enjoyed it all the same - also got a bit carried away with baking cookies yesterday, so needless to say..they were gobbled too! And the 'new year' diet plan didn't exactly go to..well, plan.

Tomorrow night I am off out to a party at my friends flat at uni, which I'm really looking forward to as it will be a lovely catch up with old friends from college. Not sure what I'm going to wear, something I won't get blown away in! Is anyone else having such horrendous weather?

I hope everyone is having a good week!

- Lou x

Out with the old

2012-01-02T03:50:00.000-08:00

..and in with the new.

As part of the new year I decided to give my blog a bit of a re-vamp. I often get bored with the previous layouts and backgrounds, headers, etc. And so, I decided to change it all, again.

New blog, new year. I think my blog has changed slightly too, looking back at my embarrassing old posts from when I first started it two years ago.

But, this is a personal blog, and for that very reason, I will never delete those posts, because I want to look back on my life when I'm older and see how I've changed as a person, and remember the parts of my life I've documented on here.

I've had quite a relaxing morning, productive too, which is always good. I have some work due for uni when I start again next Tuesday, so I've been making a start on my research for my typography work.

These are some inspirational things I found along the way, to help boost me along on my new year aim of being more optimistic and positive:

Outfit & first buys of 2012

2012-01-01T10:35:00.000-08:00

After my hardcore night of going out and getting absolutely wasted.... I joke. I spent it curled up on the sofa with Luke and a tube of pringles watching TV. No shame. Anyway, I was still feeling one of those ~post Christmas and New Year 'eaten-every-food-item-in-the-house' belly, I felt that a comfort day was in order.

And so, this is one of the new blouses I was bought the other day, so comfy. Paired with my camel leggings, and new boots.

Not the greatest place for taking photos (hello towel) but hey ho, there you go.

I also took a trip to Matalan today, somewhere I rarely shop at, but I had something to return as it was bough as a gift for me but didn't fit, so I exchanged it for some new jewellery!

They are all quite long, which is exactly what I was after as I don't seem to have anything quite right for those tops and dresses that just don't suit a short chained necklace. I think the gold anchor one is my favourite, and it only cost me 50p in the sale! Bargain.

- Lou x

New Years Resolutions.

2012-01-01T02:01:00.000-08:00

Every year we all make them. Even if we don't admit it, or claim 'not to believe in them', secretly, we do. And most of the time, we fail at them.

So this year, I'm going to make a list to look back on twelve months from now and see how I did.

1. Put at least £5 into savings each month.

2. Make the most of Summer.

3. Aim to see Luke every two weeks, even if neither of us can afford it.

4. Actually start eating more fruit, don't just take it to uni with me to leave it in my bag.

5. Maintain a healthy weight.

6. Bother to exercise more.

7. Don't complain as much.

8. Stay on top of all my work, panicking last minute is never fun.

9. Don't buy anything 'just because'. Chances are, I don't even need it to begin with.

10. Aim to fully give something up for lent, and stick to it for the entirety.

There you have my ten resolutions.

Has anyone else made any?

- Lou x

2011 in photos

2011-12-31T05:46:00.001-08:00

I thought I'd do a post to re-cap on 2011, as it has gone by seriously fast, but when I think about it - so much has happened in that time.

Not to mention the amount of parties we've had in the past year; you can see those in THIS post here!

January - my auntie and family friend visited from America to see the new born twins and Oliver for the first time.

February - Shortly after, I had all my long hair cut off in a spur of the moment decision:

March - I turned the big 18, where a few friends and I went out for a meal at Italian restaurant, Frankie and Bennies followed by the pub, and a 'family' birthday the following weekend.

April - We had a rare sighting of British sunshine, and a heatwave, so a few of us headed off to Formby beach for the day:

May - May was a very up and down month. We lost our house and were left with no where to live, all in the middle of my final A-level exams. After quite a fiasco we got back on our feet and things soon settled again, and I love our new home. Then we officially finished college forever. It didn't seem real at the time, they were the quickest two years of my life, but I loved them. I passed my A-levels with grades A,A,B

June - The majority of this was spent in America, where we spent 4th of July with our friends and family there, travelled around Arizona, and Las Vegas, and even climbed a mountain; all whilst enduring one of the hottest summers on record, with temperatures reaching 115F.

July - I had my first ever driving lesson, and spent most of the month with Luke before he moved away to university.

August - Was my blogs second birthday! I also spent two weeks down in Durham with Luke and his family.

September - I started university. Super scary, but exciting at the same time. We also had a mini farewell camp out in Conor's garden. And a surprise 19th birthday party for Jess. Luke also moved over 200 miles away up to Edinburgh, and I had one of the hardest weeks of my life being so far apart and not being able to see him, after doing so every day for the past two years. It was so nice to be able to video call him as soon as he got there to know he was safe and happy.

October - The first time I got a train anywhere myself to go up to Edinburgh to visit Luke at university there. Met so many new people, and also had a mini reunion at Lancaster University two weekends after Edinburgh with the girls for Halloween. My absolute favourite month of 2011.

November - Christmas light switch on in our city with a few friends from uni. And my second visit up to Edinburgh for a very busy long weekend!

December - The Christmas countdown officially began. After such an amazingly quick year, Christmas seemed to bring everything to an end, ready for 2012. Me and Luke also celebrated our two year anniversary together, and our third Christmas with each other; both here where we live in Longton, and with his family in Nottingham.

Christmas gifts

2011-12-30T11:36:00.000-08:00

Sorry for the abundance of posts at the minute, I have a rather photo-heavy one scheduled for tomorrow so I want to get everything up to date before then. As I left for Nottingham on Boxing day, all my Christmas gifts were still left out and not really tidied away, apart from a few things I took with me. So these photos kind of show what I've got, it was easier than photographing them all separately.

Some of my clothes received as gifts are being washed, but this is most of it! I got mainly clothes, a professional nail art kit, some new boots, jewellery, chocolates, Marc Jacobs Daisy perfume, a new hair-dryer, and some other bits and bobs. I'm also being treated to a show of my choice from the Scottish Royal Ballet touring in Edinburgh next year, which I am beyond excited about!

And so, a big thank you to my family and Luke for giving me such lovely gifts this Christmas ♥ I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas too x

Robin Hood

2011-12-30T10:24:00.000-08:00

If you've read my previous post, you will know that I'm back home again from Nottingham. So I didn't see Robin Hood...or any of Sherwood Forest. However I did see a guy selling potatoes in the city centre which claimed to be 'Robin Hood's favourite spuds' ...but I don't think that was quite legitimate now was it 'Dave's Roasties'. Didn't think so. Nice try, you'll really fool all the tourists with that one.

Anyway, I had a really lovely time. It was my first time visiting Nottingham, and meeting the other half of Luke's family. We left on Boxing day after watching the Preston vs Carlisle football match (his family support Preston, mine support Carlisle). Then drove down afterwards. We stayed at his grandmas house, it was so cosy and homely, his entire family really made me feel like part of their family, and his grandma and auntie and uncle each bought me a Christmas present, which was a really sweet, and un-expected, gesture.

This week has flown by really quickly, but I've enjoyed my time there and hope to visit again. We had quite a few family days and spent lots of time on guitar hero! And also went shopping where I got spoilt rotten by Luke as a few 'extra bits' for Christmas. On one of the days we went go-karting, which was a completely new experience for me, and one I hope to repeat. It was so fun, has anyone else ever been? Since I'm so short I had to get the smallest jumpsuit they had for driving, and the smallest cart..whereas most of Luke's family are all giants. Oh well.

...how cool do I look in my child-size jump suit? Highly flattering, I know.

- Lou x

Snapshots

2011-12-30T09:13:00.000-08:00

Hello!

I have lots of photos for you all, I've just got back from spending the week in Nottingham at Luke's grandmothers. Had a really lovely time and felt like part of the family, which is always nice. I was also spoiled by Luke whilst we were there when out shopping, so I will no doubt do a post showing you those too. Lots to catch up on!

These are some photographs from Christmas day with the family:

Unfortunately, one of the twins, Oscar, had caught chicken pox so wasn't too well on Christmas Day, but it didn't seem to stop him playing with all his new toys!

And as you can see..Oliver loves his rocking horse.

What did everyone get for Christmas? That's another post I shall get round to doing.. if you've done one yourself, feel free to link me to your blog and I'll take a nosy! I love seeing what people have received.

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas.

- Lou x

Christmas Outfit

2011-12-25T07:13:00.000-08:00

Scheduled post, but this is what I'm going to be wearing on Christmas Day; which when this will be posted will mean that it's today! Happy Christmas!

In my family we have always dressed up for Christmas. My entire family is under the roof of one house, that's aunties, uncles, grandparents, my parents, and all the kids. Getting dressed up is the first thing we do before any presents are even mentioned. We wake up relatively early, make sure the turkey is in the oven and ready for later, have a continental style breakfast of usually croissants, spiced sausages, a cooked breakfast, pancakes, and various other goodies. Then finish getting dressed up, and off into the living room we go to sort out which presents belong to who. And then... get opening! Not to mention the copious amount of food and chocolate and cake goodies to be consumed all throughout the day and into the night.

I've always been interested in what other people and their families do for Christmas. So what does everyone have planned for the big day?

Decided to be all festive and go with a Christmas-red coloured blouse.

The blouse is from International // the skirt is off ebay // & wedges are New Look

- Lou x

Happy Christmas

2011-12-25T07:12:00.000-08:00

This is a scheduled post, as I know that when this will be automatically published.. I will be running around the house frantically trying to keep my menacing (yet adorable) baby cousins Oliver, Oscar, and Harry, from tearing down the Christmas tree, or waddling off somewhere they shouldn't be. Whilst my nan tries not to burn the turkey, my mum aims to stop my dad from eating all the cake so early, and everyone else dashes about sorting which presents belong to who. I love Christmas.

I also have a 'Christmas Outfit' post scheduled which should appear later on in the day, so watch out!

I hope everyone has a fabulous day, love to your families x

Outfit & Photo wall

2011-12-24T04:04:00.000-08:00

Getting ready to leave for Cheshire this morning, think we're heading off soon, just a few last minute things to do! The car is packed full already, so I dread to think what it's going to be like coming home tomorrow evening...

Okay, so my arm is at a weird angle, lets just ignore that. Self timer fail, oh well. Such a comfy outfit, I love this skirt a bit too much.

The skirt and blouse are H&M // Primark cardigan // M&S tights // New Look black wedges // the locket is from Luke

I also finished creating a new photo display for my wall. I used the tiny little pegs Luke bought me with the silver roses on, and attached them to string and printed out lots of little photos to put on it.

A nice and simple way to brighten up my wall don't you think?

I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas, I have some scheduled posts lined up as things are going to be very busy busy!

- Lou x

Christmas baking

2011-12-23T04:59:00.000-08:00

Started at 9am, and just finished now at 1pm! It's been a busy morning of baking. We're going to Cheshire in the morning to stay over with my family there for Christmas, so all the food preparations are being done today.

I've baked a three layer dark chocolate and orange cake with a white chocolate slice in the centre, filled with butter cream and topped with chocolate icing, with a bit of icing dusted for snow!

I didn't realise my ribbon going around it was so wonky when I took the photo, I swear it's that..I don't have a lopsided cake.

What do you all think?

- Lou x

A Game of Shadows

2011-12-22T02:57:00.000-08:00

Last night I went to see the new Sherlock Holmes movie - A Game of Shadows. It was really good, quite pacey and there were some really funny moments in it, so I quite enjoyed it. Good old Orange Wednesdays.

This is what I wore yesterday; quite a comfy outfit, that top is really nice fabric to wear and is slightly baggy so I can get away with munching away on more popcorn and cinema snacks! Not that I base my desired clothing around food, I just really love popcorn. ehem. Anyway..

The top is from International // scarf was a gift from H&M off my friend Jess // and the jeans are also H&M.

I decided to test out doing mini plaits in my hair when I put it up into a bun as my layers have gotten long enough now,so that's what the right picture is showing, although it's not the best - who knew it would be so hard to get a good photo of your hair side-on! PS. please ignore my tiny pixie ears.

Has anyone else seen the new Sherlock Holmes film?

- Lou x

2011-12-22T02:44:00.000-08:00

Yesterday me and Luke had our 'mini Christmas' together, and couldn't help but open a few goodies..!

I'll try not to over-spam you all with photos as I've posted so many recently! This is what he got me:

Marc Jacobs Daisy perfume 100ml in a snazzy pop-art edition bottle.

A vintage-style photo album box, which you pull out the mini drawers from to reveal little individual photo albums.

A pretty rose ring which I spotted on the Edinburgh Christmas market as it was handmade in silver, and really regretted not buying! He knows me well.

Cute little rose pegs for pinning photographs to, which I think I'm going to string across my wall as it's got nothing on it currently!

- Lou x

Oh snap!

2011-12-22T02:21:00.000-08:00

I've come across my new Etsy love. Her name is Ronda J Smith from 'in the seam' on etsy, and her creations are so fun and quirky, I love them!

She does custom designs, taking photographs and turning them into cushions and pillows.

As a camera fanatic, I love her vintage style camera shaped cushions, however..for all the cat lovers out there, the cat cushion is pretty cute too.

Which are your faves? I like number five the best. Might have a go at making one myself in the new year!

- Lou x

Get your frock on;

2011-12-19T08:31:00.000-08:00

I've been looking back through old photographs taken throughout 2011, and I never realised just how many parties and fancy dress events there have been! A lot of my friends turned the big 18 this year. And some friends even turned 19. These are some snaps from the various parties throughout the year:

Okay, so they're not in the greatest order, but oh well.

Nikki's 18th // Evie's 18th in town // my 18th at Frankie & Bennies // Bens 18th // Phil's 18th // Hannah-May's 18th // Emma D's vintage style 18th // Hannah's 18th // Martha's 18th // Sam's medieval themed 18th // Halloween in Lancaster // Jess' surprise 19th.

Only 12 days left of 2011. Bring on New Years!

- Lou x

Fear can make you compromise

2011-12-19T06:54:00.000-08:00

Obsessed to this song at the minute. Really want to go and see them in concert!

Had my last driving test today before my second test tomorrow. I said the same for my last driving test, I can't afford not to pass because I can't afford to re-take it. But this time it's worse as my bank is in the minus figures now, wonderful. Fingers crossed!

The shirt is borrowed from my mum // the skirt is H&M, so is the blouse // Beads are from International // shoes are New Look.

- Lou x

12 month portraits

2011-12-18T14:29:00.000-08:00

Every year, I get to the end of it and think.. I don't look any different. But then wonder if I actually do or not. Certain things in my life might be different, but how much can you really change appearance-wise in one year?

So I decided to do a flickr challenge. One portrait per month, every month.

Numbered 1 to 12, with 1 being January, and 12 being December. This is how it turned out:

So I might have cheated on some months, where I've either just forgotten or been to busy too, hence the subtly cropped images oops.

What do you all think? I still think I look the same mainly. I've chopped my long hair off and started to grow it back again throughout the months. And my eyebrows are slightly more shaped. I can't tell if my jaw has altered slightly too, or if that's just the various angles/smiles in the photos.

Has anyone else done anything like this? I think it's the only flickr challenge I've ever completed!

- Lou x

2011-12-18T03:46:00.000-08:00

Being silly with the webcam, we are just too cool. A lovely relaxing day yesterday, met with Evie in town for a nice catch up, then an evening in with Luke and a curry. Good stuff.

Got a busy week ahead of me, tomorrow is my last driving lesson before my driving test (second attempt!) on Tuesday. Wednesday me and Luke are having our 'Christmas day' together, then Thursday going out for a meal, and Friday will be mainly spent cooking and baking to prepare for the weekend (we really go 'all out' for Christmas), then Saturday morning we will be making our way over to Cheshire to be with the fam, and stay over there for Christmas :)

After all that I'm back for a day, where mine and Luke's family are going to see the Boxing day football match here where we live, and then it's off to Nottingham straight after that up until New Years. Busy busy!

And somewhere in all of that I need to fit in a 3000 word essay, and four mood boards and research. January is going to be fun.

Is everyone all sorted for Christmas? And New Years resolutions planned?
I seem to fail mine every year oops.

Lou x

Coffee Date

2011-12-17T02:25:00.000-08:00

This morning I am meeting my friend Evie in town for a much needed catch up! The weather is pretty miserable outside (as ever) so I decided to get some good old chunky layers on and keep warm.

Cardigan - Primark

Skirt - H&M

Top - H&M

Shoes - New Look

Bag - Primark

We also had our first snow fall yesterday, it felt very festive to finish uni to, such a relief to hand in all my work too. I've been set quite a bit to do over Christmas, but I'm hoping to get that done and out of the way as soon as possible then I can relax for the rest of the holidays.

Thinking of going to see the new Sherlock Holmes film tomorrow, has anyone else seen it yet?

Lou x

two years;

2011-12-16T09:13:00.000-08:00

Today me and Luke celebrate our two year anniversary together, it has gone so fast it's crazy, but at the same time it feels like we've been together much longer; and I can honestly say I've never been happier ♥

He came home from Edinburgh late last night, so needless to say I was super happy to get to see him today! Can't wait to have a lovely catch up and our little Christmas together :)

My hair is such a mess on this, as I'd just taken it out of a bun and it had been raining

(typical Scotland!), but I don't care, I love this photo.

Finals

2011-12-15T07:20:00.000-08:00

This morning I have finally finished all my work for semester one. I didn't realise quite how much I had done until piecing it all together in my portfolio. Or how long each thing would take.

Yesterday I finally got my problems with my gravestone designs sorted which I did for Vivienne Westwood, and was able to get it cut out with the laser cutter into my wooden block. Many hours later into the night I got my final photograph done and all edited up ready for my portfolio. This is it below. What do you think? I'm quite happy with the outcome, even though at times the whole fiasco made me want to shoot myself!

These snaps show some pages in my sketchbooks and portfolio etc:

It weighs a ton! Don't know how I'm going to manage taking it all into uni tomorrow morning when it's practically the same size as me, yet double the weight!

Lou x

Winter freckles

2011-12-14T01:49:00.000-08:00

Winter freckles. I have more than ever this year, normally they're not even visible once the sunshine goes in Winter, but this year I've loads!

In the mac class this morning to finish my illustrator work and finally..finally!! Finish my designs now the laser cutter is back up and working again. Well, at least I hope it still is.

Going to an awards evening tomorrow night for my college, which I'm looking forward to, it'll be nice to see old friends again and have a catch up! it's also the night Luke comes home, so I'm happy, because this week has seriously dragged on.

Lou x

Lazy day outfit

2011-12-12T10:52:00.000-08:00

A standard lazy day outfit; although I did go into uni today, despite it being my day off. So I guess that was kind of productive.

Cardigan - H&M

Top - Primark

Beads - International

Jeans - H&M

Bag - Primark

Today has been a slow one, I had the intention of going into uni, finishing my final piece...and coming home around one. Instead I ended up going to finish my work, bought some grey spray-paint (why does it cost so much?!) which when I sprayed it..came out blue. Had to return it and swap it for another, which didn't even come out of the can. Then the laser cutting machine had broken in the workshop, typical, so I was left to re-design my entire thing and think of another way to do it..for tomorrow. Great. Needless to say I ended up staying much longer than I hoped and didn't get to leave until three-ish.

I did cheer up however when I got home and video-called Luke, to laugh at him as he got ready for his interview all dressed up in his suit. Just three days till he's home :) so excited.

Has everyone else had a better day?

Lou x

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas..

2011-12-10T10:44:00.000-08:00

Having a little mess about with my camera; we put our Christmas tree and decorations up today, it's so lovely to sit in the living room with it all cosy and watching the lights on the tree.

Only another 15 days to go!

Has anyone else got their tree up yet?

Lou x